A Chapter of the New River Historical Society
Incorporated 1966

Dr. John Blair Radford
1813-1872

The City of Radford, Virginia was named for this popular physician. He was born in Bedford County, Virginia, however, after attending the University of Virginia and the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania he came to the New River area to work.

Several years after Dr. Radford married Elizabeth Campbell Taylor of Pulaski County, Virginia, they purchased from her father 100 acres of land in what is now the City of Radford. There in 1840 the Radfords built on a hill above the New River an impressive brick home and named it "Arnheim" (pictured at right). The house still stands today overlooking the U.S. Route 11 bridge entrance to the city.

In addition to being a practicing physician and successful farmer, the energetic doctor entered into a range of other activities. In 1842 he became the owner for many years of Lovely Mount Tavern located on the heavily traveled Wilderness Road. For a while he was part owner of the Alleghaney Springs Turnpike and in 1860 he invested in the popular Yellow Sulphur Springs resort. Just before his death, he was elected president of an emerging railroad. It is thought by many that it was his generous nature as a private banker that led to the city being named for him.

Dr. and Mrs. Radford and most of their seven children are buried in the family cemetery located near their home "Arnheim".

Information for personal use only. Pages may not be reproduced in whole or part in any format for distribution or profit without the express written consent of the contributor. © 1999 Radford City Historical Society


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